Aviation safety investigations & reports

Robinson Helicopter Co R22 ALPHA, VH-JWG

Summary

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau did not conduct an on
scene investigation of this occurrence. The information presented
below was obtained from information supplied to the Bureau.

The pilot of the Robinson Helicopter Co R22 Alpha reported that
on 23 May 2004 while operating at Scott Creek Station, he hot
re-fuelled the helicopter from a bulk fuel tank installation in
preparation for mustering. During the into-wind transition from the
hover to forward flight, the helicopter rolled rapidly to the right
and impacted the ground. The pilot sustained minor injuries and the
helicopter was destroyed. He reported that the fuel hose had
disconnected from the bulk fuel outlet. It was likely that the
helicopter had become entangled with the re-fuelling hose and pump
during the departure.